The used car market is an old one. Through a dealer and other sources, millions of people have bought and sold old cars through the years. That may be how you bought your current car. Not all used cars are made equal. Some may barely run or require much work to become operational.
Others may accumulate a decent number of miles and require minimal cosmetic work before hitting the dealership floor. If your ride is too old or breaks down, you may be wondering how to get rid of your old car. Here are several ways to consider your options.
Calculate the Value of Your Old Car
First, you can determine the value of your car. You can get quotes on the car as is from dealers and online value sources. Later, you can determine if it would make sense to spend some amount to restore your car to running condition.
The cost and time involved may not generate substantial profitability or trade-in value. In this scenario, it may merely make more sense to sell as is. Alternatively, its market value could appreciably rise should a mechanic need only a few key pieces replaced.
Compare the numbers of the repair and parts estimates to the price you found online or through a dealer. There are still ways to sell your old car even if investing the extra money to get it roadworthy again doesn't generate much of a profit.
Solutions for Non-Running Car Removal
There are a few places you can take a car that won't run, as you may or may not know. Depending on the situation, you may be able to get your money back for the car or trade it in for some value. Try one of the following options:
- Dealership Trade-In
- New and used car dealerships buy used cars. If you are purchasing a new vehicle from a dealership, you can haul your dead car there and have its worth appraised. Even though the dealer can't resell it, he might salvage some parts that could have an actual worth. Then you can use the appraisal for one of his new cars.
- Sell It Yourself
- Another option would be to sell a car privately to another person. In this case, consider an estimate from a mechanic for the cost of the work needed to get the vehicle running. In most cases, when your car is not working, you will struggle to sell it unless it is a rare model or holds expensive components. Another option would be to part out your vehicle, whereby you take down your car and then sell its parts.
- Look for Car Buyers or Sellers Online
- Many websites selling used and wrecked cars buy non-running automobiles. You have to write in detail the state of your automobile and insert all your information, beginning with VIN. If you're ready to accept the cash offer from the website, then you have to tow the vehicle to a partner location or dealership for the final inspection. If the car is all right, you may agree.
- Contact the Repair Shops and Mechanics
- Ask if a local mechanic would be interested in buying your car. Many shops and mechanics buy cars when they break down or quit working for parts. Ask the mechanic for an estimate on what he would pay for the vehicle in its current state of condition if you took it to them to get an estimate for the repairs.
- Consider Salvage Yards and Junkyards
- Selling a car that isn't running to a junkyard or junk dealer is another source of income. Typically, this is a last resort because, for the most part, nobody will haul it away for you, and you'll only be paid for the metal's worth. At many yards, sellers must remove all fluids before they will be accepted. You must calculate the costs and get a few different bids to decide if the metal and pieces will pay for removal.
- Donate Your Car to a Good Cause
- Getting rid of the car while doing good deeds, at one time maximizing your tax savings by donating your car to a nearby charity sounds just that great. Even if you are not going to get any money in return for your donation, the fair market value of your car can qualify you for a tax deduction. These are some questions you should ask yourself first if you are considering taking this path.
Calculate the Data and Examine Your Choices
This does leave you with options if you were wondering how to get rid of a car that won't start. Take your time, run the figures, and find the greatest value when getting an estimate for your car.
